Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. But, it does come with some adjustments—especially when it comes to what you can eat. The good news? There are plenty of delicious, braces-friendly foods that will keep your smile on track while satisfying your cravings. At Backus Orthodontics in Hoover, AL, we are here to guide you through the best foods to enjoy while you’re on your braces journey.
Why Your Food Choices Matter With Braces
Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into their new positions, which can sometimes make your mouth feel a bit sore or sensitive. Additionally, certain foods can damage your braces, causing wires to bend or brackets to pop off, leading to unexpected trips to the orthodontist. But, choosing the right foods can help you avoid these issues and make your treatment as smooth as possible.
Best Foods to Eat With Braces
Here’s a list of tasty, braces-friendly foods that are gentle on your teeth and won’t jeopardize your orthodontic work:
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Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, and applesauce are great options. While you should avoid biting into whole apples, slicing them into thin pieces makes them much easier to enjoy.
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Cooked Vegetables: Raw veggies can be tough on braces. But, steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and squash are soft, nutritious, and delicious.
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Dairy Products: Yogurt, cheese, and soft cheeses like mozzarella are all braces-friendly. They’re high in calcium, which is great for your teeth, and they’re easy to chew.
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Pasta and Grains: Pasta, rice, and soft bread are excellent choices. Just be mindful of any hard crusts or seeds that could get stuck in your braces.
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Protein-Rich Foods: Tender meats, tofu, and eggs are perfect protein sources that are soft and easy to eat. Be sure to choose meats that are cooked until tender, avoiding anything too tough or chewy.
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Smoothies and Soups: Smoothies are a fantastic way to get your fruits and veggies in without putting stress on your braces. Likewise, soups provide comfort and nutrition, especially during those first few days after getting your braces tightened.
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Soft Snacks: When you’re in the mood for a snack, pudding, Jell-O, applesauce, and soft granola bars are great options that won’t damage your braces.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
While there are plenty of foods you can enjoy with braces, it’s important to steer clear of certain items that can cause problems:
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Hard Candies and Ice: These can break or dislodge your brackets and wires.
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Sticky Foods Like Caramel and Chewing Gum: These can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean out.
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Crunchy Snacks Like Popcorn and Nuts: These can get lodged between your braces and cause discomfort or damage.
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Tough Meats and Hard Bread Crusts: These can be difficult to chew and might damage your braces.
Tips for Eating With Braces
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Cut Your Food Into Small Pieces: Even braces-friendly foods can be tricky if they’re too large. Cutting your food into bite-sized pieces can make eating easier and safer.
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Chew Slowly and Carefully: Eating slowly allows you to be more mindful of your braces and reduces the risk of accidentally biting down too hard.
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Rinse and Brush After Meals: Keeping your braces clean is essential to avoid plaque buildup and potential staining. Rinse your mouth with water after eating, and brush your teeth carefully to remove any food particles.
Expert Braces Care at Backus Orthodontics
Dr. Jeff Backus and the team at Backus Orthodontics in Hoover, AL, are ready to help you navigate life with braces. By choosing the right foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can keep your treatment on track and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Remember, braces are a temporary part of your life that lead to a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. With some thoughtful planning, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods while protecting your investment in your smile.
If you have any questions or need advice about your braces, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Backus and his team. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a perfect smile!